The Effect of Gelatinous Hydrogel Containing Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Wound Healing in Diabetic Male Rats

Despite many studies carried out on the application of stem cells in the healing of diabetic wounds, the results are still challenging. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of gelatin hydrogel containing adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on diabetic wound healing in animal model.

In the present experimental-laboratory study conducted in 2019, mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from human adipose tissue and at that point characterized. The gelatin hydrogel was made using the microbial transglutaminase enzyme. Diabetes was induced in Wistar male rats by injecting streptozotocin. Subsequently, 0.8 cm thick wounds appeared on the backs of the mice. Animals were divided into control groups (treated with normal saline) and treated group with hydrogels containing adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Wound healing was assessed on days 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment through wound imaging. Data were analyzed using t-test and one-way analysis of variance.

The wound area decreased significantly in rats treated with “hydrogel + mesenchymal stem cells” on post-treatment days 7, 14 and 21 compared to first day of treatment (P<0.01, 0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Unlike control group, the wound area significantly decreased on day 14 compared with day 7 in treated group.

Conclusion

Mesenchymal stem cells transported by gelatin hydrogel to the wound site, cause faster healing of diabetic wounds, therefore, can be used as a dressing for diabetic wounds.